Correlation between peripheral arterial disease and coronary artery disease using ankle brachial index-a study in Indian population.

OBJECTIVE To study the prevalence of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) of the lower limbs in a high-risk population and its correlation with coronary artery disease (CAD), using the ankle brachial index (ABI). METHODS The present study was conducted in randomly selected indoor patients >45 years of age with one or more risk factors for PAD admitted in the cardiology and medicine wards in a tertiary care institute. RESULTS Based on ABI <0.9, PAD was diagnosed in 32 of the 182 (18%) patients. Coronary artery disease was present in 15 cases of PAD which was statistically significant. CONCLUSION There is a definite and strong correlation between PAD and CAD. Correct diagnosis and supervision of patients with PAD is important for preventing the local progression of the disease and effective secondary prevention of future coronary and cerebrovascular events.